How to Install Node.js on Ubuntu 16.04

What is Node.js?

Node.js lets you run JavaScript outside a web browser, for example on a server. It comes with npm, a tool that downloads code libraries for your project.

Method 1: Install from the Ubuntu package list

This is the simplest way, but the version is old.

1. Connect to your server with SSH.
2. Update the package list:

sudo apt-get update

This refreshes the list of available software.

3. Install Node.js and npm:

sudo apt-get install -y nodejs npm

This installs both tools.

4. Ubuntu names the program nodejs. To use the name node, add a link:

sudo ln -s /usr/bin/nodejs /usr/bin/node

This makes a shortcut so both names work.

Method 2: Install a newer version with NodeSource

NodeSource is a group that offers newer Node.js packages. Version 10 is a safe choice for Ubuntu 16.04.

1. Install curl, a tool that downloads files:

sudo apt-get install -y curl

2. Add the NodeSource package source:

curl -sL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_10.x | sudo -E bash -

This tells Ubuntu where to find the newer packages.

3. Install Node.js:

sudo apt-get install -y nodejs

This installs Node.js and npm together.

Method 3: Use nvm

nvm is a Node Version Manager. It lets you install many versions and switch between them.

1. Install nvm:

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash

2. Close the terminal and open it again.
3. Install a version:

nvm install 10

This installs Node.js version 10.

Check the install

node -v
npm -v

These print the version numbers of Node.js and npm.

Try a small test

1. Create a file:

echo "console.log('Hello Node');" > hello.js

2. Run it:

node hello.js

If you see "Hello Node", all is well. For help with your server, open a support ticket.

Quick recap

• Use apt for the easy, older version.
• Use NodeSource or nvm for a newer version.
• Check with node -v and npm -v.